On the other hand, EA Credit 1.1, Lighting Power, and 1.2, Lighting Controls, showed high initial cost with tremendous potential for reduced energy-cost savings during the life of the project. In addition, the lease had been structured to meter the tenant's direct electrical use, so these savings could go directly to the tenant.

Another example of EarlyEco's input influencing the design team was the cost savings potential of Materials & Resources Credit 1.2, Building Reuse-Maintain 40 Percent of Interior Non-Structural Components. Although this was an established project goal, initial computations of reuse fell short of the goal and LEED criteria. It had been assumed existing ceiling tile could not be reused because of its poor light-reflectance characteristics.